Myth #7

Male Cats Are Prone To Bladder Infections

The Truth

Young Cat “LUTD” Is Rarely Bacterial

Straining in the box, urinating frequently, crying while peeing – these are signs of urinary pain, NOT bladder infections. Nearly all such events in young cats are nutritional in origin. No gender incidence difference exists. Bladder infections in young cats are actually quite rare.

Most urinary tract disease in young cats results directly from what they are fed.

Dry cat foods lack much-needed moisture. Cats will not drink enough to make up for that lack. As a result, a dry-fed cat (without other disease) will have very concentrated urine.

When dry, plant-based foods create concentrated, alkaline urine, irritating crystals may form in the bladder. The alkalinity alone is irritating. Crystal formation makes things even more uncomfortable.

Crystal formation commonly leads to urinary obstructions in male cats, simply because their long, narrow urethra can block up more easily than the female’s short, wide one. This has led to the myth that male cats are more prone to bladder problems. Male cats are more prone to obstructions, but NOT to infections.

Bladder infections in cats become more common with aging. As older cats develop diseases such as kidney failure or diabetes, their urine becomes abnormally dilute and can support bacterial growth better. This occurs equally in both sexes.

Unless your cat is elderly and has other disease processes, signs of urinary tract pain are almost never due to bladder infections. Giving unnecessary antibiotics introduces risk with no benefit.

A skilled and experienced feline veterinarian is your best resource for effective and safe feline healthcare advice!

Professional

Civic

Fern is the veterinarian for my sister’s two cats who presented difficult and perplexing diagnoses. Since my own two cats have a connection with my sister’s cats, they, too, have become peripherally involved in Fern’s care for, and study of, my sister’s pets. I have been totally moved by Fern’s commitment to, and passion for, her four-footed patients – not to mention her two-footed clients as well! Even though Fern is not my primary veterinarian (I don’t live in her area), her attentiveness to my questions and needs has truly impressed me. She speaks with the authority and expertise accumulated from nearly 25 years of exclusively feline experience, yet with an understanding and sensitivity that immediately inspire trust and confidence.

In my sister’s and my own pets’ unusual cases, she has gone more than the proverbial “extra mile”, well “above and beyond”, leaving no stone unturned to discover the most up-to-date and cutting-edge research and studies as well as to consult with leading specialists in some rather arcane fields no matter where such experts may be found. She is immediately responsive to any communication and her follow-up is comprehensive and understandable to the lay person. Her engaging sense of humor can help diffuse intense situations and nurture connection while her empathy and compassion provide comfort and assurance. In my years of living with animal companions and interacting with veterinarians, I have never had the privilege of encountering such an exceptional veterinarian and I only regret that my geographic distance precludes my own fur companions from reaping the benefits of Fern’s preeminent care.

Judy E

Fern B. Slack, DVM, “Dr. Fern,” is the new Feline Veterinarian for my two Ragdoll cats. I feel so fortunate that I am getting to know her and that she has moved to Boulder, CO. Over the years, I have had many cats, dogs and horses. I feel somewhat qualified to comment on the quality of care from different vets around the country. I’ve never met a vet better than Dr. Fern who displays unique qualities of ethics, integrity, knowledge and passion.

That she loves cats is obvious: she has devoted years of study and research to them. Her continuing studies enable her to “think outside the box” while networking with scientists across the country who are developing new scientific data on conditions and diseases related to felines. She is devoted and persistent, smart and sensitive and knows more about cats than anyone I have ever met. She takes time to study each client thoroughly in order to provide the best unique care possible. I recently had a situation evolve that required attention above and beyond what was expected and her continuing diligence to my case, as well as her concern for me, is impressive. She cares.

I welcome her and her staff to Boulder and, if you have a cat, you will never find better professional attention – a delightful addition to our Community.

If you don’t have a cat, get one and make two friends: Kitty and Dr. Fern!

Undine E.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder cat parents, you are so fortunate!

I have known Fern Slack, DVM for almost ten years during the time she was practicing in Northern Virginia. In those years, she has not only taken care of all of my cats, but has also become a trusted source for information for articles about care health, nutrition and behavior.

Dr. Slack is an exceptionally gifted feline veterinarian. As a former veterinary hospital manager, I have worked with some of the best in the profession. When I left the practice I managed after eight years to focus on writing full time, I found myself at a loss. I needed to find a new vet for my two cats, and I wasn’t at all sure I was going to find someone who would live up to my admittedly very high expectations. Fern not only lived up to, but considerably exceeded them.

Dr. Slack is a brilliant diagnostician. She has an extraordinary ability to interpret unusual physical findings and lab results. In the years I’ve known Dr. Slack, she has diagnosed conditions that stumped even board certified internal medicine specialists. She combines this ability with the ability to explain her findings to clients in easily understandable ways. Her caring and compassionate bedside manner helps clients sort through the often overwhelming information so they can make decisions for their cats without feeling frightened or pushed beyond their comfort level.

As a certified veterinary journalist, Fern’s expertise and willingness to share her knowledge have been invaluable to me. She has provided quotes for articles published in Cat Fancy Magazine, Animal Wellness Magazine, and has written guest posts for my own website, The Conscious Cat.

Dr. Slack cared for my cat Buckley when she was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy several years ago. With the exception of periodic cardiac ultrasounds performed by a specialist, Dr. Slack helped me make all treatment decisions. I appreciated that she not only guided me through the medical issues, but that she always took into account that Buckley was a difficult to manage cat. Dr. Slack treats each patient as an individual. She also was incredibly compassionate when it came time to let Buckley go. She came to my home, and made what is always a difficult experience one that was filled with peace and compassion.

Dr. Slack’s move to Colorado is a profound loss for Virginia, and I envy all the cat parents in Boulder who will now have this wonderful vet care for their feline family members!

I have been so very impressed with Dr. Fern and her level of extensive knowledge and genuine care when it comes to cat health, nutrition, and diagnostics. As an independent veterinarian who specializes in and treats only cats, she does not simply apply dog medicine standards to all species, but she instead truly knows and understands (and loves!) the feline species. She is intellectually curious and truly gets to the bottom of all mysteries related to a cat’s specific health condition. Furthermore, she is rightfully skeptical of information that is provided to veterinarians when sponsored by pet food manufacturers or special interest groups, as has been an increasing trend, so she goes to great efforts to get the best and most scientifically validated information possible related to cat health conditions and nutritional guidelines.

Dr. Fern has the long-term health of her feline patients as her #1 priority. She spends a lot of time with each patient, and puts quite a lot of energy into what she does. She also eagerly recommends to her clients how to best maintain their cats’ health in order to avoid big vet bills down the road. Cat owners will not be disappointed!”

Laura B.

Boulder Colorado

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